OH-16: John Boccieri Receives Endorsement of National Farmers Union

Boccieri Receives Endorsement of National Farmers Union

Canton, OH - The National Farmers Union Political Action Committee has endorsed State Senator John Boccieri's candidacy for U.S. Congress in Ohio's 16th Congressional District.

The National Farmers Union is one of the largest general farm organizations in the United States, with a membership of a quarter of a million farm and ranch families nationwide.

The Farmers Union thanked Boccieri for his commitment to addressing "the public policy needs of family farmers, ranchers, and the communities in which they live."

Boccieri welcomed the Farmers Union's support saying:

"The 16th District includes some of the most agriculturally productive areas in Ohio, and in these tough economic times we need to stand up for our local farmers.

Ohio's farming communities need stronger representation in Congress, and I'm committed to controlling rising costs, developing rural infrastructure, and supporting new opportunities for agriculturally-based energy production that will help our farmers thrive."

This is great news for our candidate in his campaign to win election to the U.S. House of Representatives!

OH-16: John Boccieri "Schuring Will Cost Ohio $5 Billion at the Pump"

We've got a little food for thought, today. The Senator Major John Boccieri(D-Alliance) issued a statement on the ongoing battle over energy indepence. This more "smart policy" for Ohio's 16th Congressional District!

Schuring Will Cost Ohio $5 Billion at the Pump before “Energy Plan” Takes Effect

Canton, OH – Rather than providing bold solutions to begin immediately easing pain at the pump, Kirk Schuring has endorsed George W. Bush’s energy stance, which calls for Americans to sit back and wait 20 years while big oil companies prospect for new sources of oil.

In Sunday’s edition of the Canton Repository, Schuring said that opening new areas in ANWR and the Outer Continental Shelf to drilling was a “short-term” solution that would “dramatically increase domestic energy production” and “have an immediate impact at the pump.”

Even George W. Bush’s Department of Energy projects that this approach “would not have a significant impact on domestic crude oil and natural gas production or prices before 2030,” and that expanded drilling in both ANWR and offshore would boost domestic oil production by at most 4% twenty years from now. Experts predict that even that increase would be largely cancelled out by declining global supply.

“Middle class families can’t wait 20 years for lower gas prices, especially when Kirk Schuring’s gas tax hike is going to cost them an extra $5 billion at the pump between now and then,” Congressional Candidate John Boccieri (D-Alliance) said today.

“Instead of giving voters a serious plan to bring down oil prices and lower gas prices immediately, my opponent offers nothing but failed gimmicks straight from George W. Bush’s playbook.”

Without a single serious proposal for short-term relief, the Schuring/Bush energy “plan” is nothing more than a continuation of the last seven years of failed Washington policies that provide giveaways to the oil industry while Americans’ gas prices double. This comes as no surprise, given that Schuring has taken over $20,000 from oil companies and chaired George Bush’s 2004 re-election campaign in Stark County .

“We need swift, serious, far-reaching energy solutions,” Boccieri said. “To start relieving pain at the pump today, we should open the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, drill on the 68 million acres of U.S. land and coastal waters that are already approved for drilling, and transition to alternative energy sources as soon as possible.”

We don't need George W. Bush's failed policy and Kirk Schuring's Tax Increase strangling OH-16 from The U.S. House of Representatives! We need real solutions that benefit the citizens of our district instead of big oil, special interest groups, and Washington lobbyists!

OH-16: Boccieri to Announce Plan for Veterans at Alliance VFW

Get your fresh cup of joe and get ready to make plans for another exciting event. The Major carries an "aura of energy" that can only be appreciated in a personal enviroment!

Boccieri to Announce Plan for Veterans at Alliance VFW

Canton, OH – 16th U.S. Congressional District Candidate John Boccieri(D-Alliance) will speak with local veterans at Alliance VFW Post 1036 at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16. An Iraq War veteran himself, Boccieri will discuss his work to support veterans in the Ohio legislature and lay out his plan to improve care for veterans in Washington.

What: John Boccieri Discusses his Plan for Veterans

When: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 16

Where: Alliance VFW Post 1036
1036 East State Street , Alliance , OH 44601 (Map)

Veterans from throughout the 16th Congressional District have been invited to attend the event. Boccieri will listen to their experiences and answer questions from them about his policy proposals.

RSVP ASAP!

We already know that Senator Major John Boccieri won the "Veteran Advocacy Award of the Year" and Wednesday night is the time meet OH-16's candidate for real change. Be sure and share this post with your favorite Veteran; we love them all. We hope to see you there!

OH-16: Ted Strickland: "John Boccieri Will Fight His Heart Out for This District"

On Saturday, July 5th, Senator Major John Boccieri(D - Alliance, OH), attended a house party in Wooster with special Guest of Honor, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. Brian Collinsworth, Communication Director, John Bocieri for U.S. Congress, has issued the following report.

Wooster, OH – Governor Ted Strickland stumped for 16th Congressional District candidate John Boccieri at a packed House Party in Wooster today. The event followed Strickland and Boccieri's appearance in the Wooster Bicentennial Parade this morning.

"I was in Congress for 12 years," Strickland told supporters at the House Party. "I know what it's like up there, and this is the guy who will go up there and fight his heart out for this area and do the right thing for the 16th District."

Strickland told House Party guests that Boccieri has worked hard in the Ohio state legislature to support workers, families, seniors and veterans. He highlighted Boccieri's efforts to protect local jobs, lower property taxes, keep pensions safe, and provide the best health care, education and employment opportunities for Ohio veterans.

Strickland also praised Boccieri's service in the U.S. Air Force and his four tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. "No one has to question John Boccieri's commitment to this country," Strickland said.(emphasis added)

"I'm honored to have the support of my Governor and good friend Ted Strickland," Boccieri said. "Ted has fought so hard for the people of Ohio, and I've had so many incredible opportunities to work with him. I'm ready to take this fight to Washington and become his partner in Congress to turn around our economy and restore our middle class."(emphasis added)

The House Party took place at the home of Harry Featherstone, a Wooster resident and the former CEO of Wil-Burt Co. in Orrville. Ralph Freed, who flies with Boccieri in the Air Force Reserves, and his wife Margaret were also hosts.

John Boccieri was first elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 2000. In the historic 2006 elections, Strickland was elected Governor and Boccieri was voted into the State Senate.

John Boccieri for Congress*P.O. Box 3016 *Alliance, Ohio 44601*(330) 754-0534 http://www.johnforcongress.com/

OH-16: A Local Citizen's Endorsement for Sen. John Boccieri

I spend an incredible amount of time at this keyboard. Just ask my wife and she will tell you, but once in awhile, I can come across gems that make the whole process of reaching out to the netroots community a pleasure. She understands the magnitude of the fight for change that we are engaged in across America and accepts the task I have taken upon my shoulders.

Today, I happened to stumble upon one of those beauties in The Canton Repository's, "Letters to the Editor":

Boccieri knows needs of soldiers, veterans
Thursday, June 26, 2008

In our time of war, ill treatment of war veterans and the ongoing threat of terrorism, it is paramount that we elect someone to Congress who doesn't just talk about defending our country but who also has risked his own life, serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as an aircraft commander. That person, who is still a major in the Air Force Reserve, is John Boccieri (pronounced Bo-Cherry) of Alliance.

John also understands that this nation must stop sending our young men and women into battle without proper training and equipment. Furthermore, John recognizes that conditions such as those at Walter Reed Army Medical Center must be reversed by fighting for full funding of veterans' health care, so that our soldiers have access to the support and services they need and deserve.

Already in the Ohio Legislature, John has been a strong supporter of our veterans and military families. Most recently, John sponsored the Military Injury Relief Fund bill, a tax check-off program that gives Ohioans an opportunity to help our injured soldiers transition back into civilian life, and to assist with their medical expenses.

As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan drag on, it becomes even more vital that we elect members to Congress who fully understand the hardships and dangers of maintaining this great nation's independence. And that is why John Boccieri is right for Congress.

DAVID B. MCCOY,

PERRY TOWNSHIP

That's all it takes! One single "Letter to the Editor" and Mr. McCoy has reached out to the entire world and I tip my hat to him. Every concerned citizen in our great Nation has an opportunity to be heard and no voice should ever go unheard. This is exactly why I do what I do; to show this District, nation, and the entire world why Senator Major John Boccieri is a "must win" candidate for "OH's Fighting 16th District!".

OH-16: Boccieri Applauds Supreme Court Gun Rights Ruling

For Immediate Release
June 26, 2008
Contact: Bryan Collinsworth
330-754-0534 / bryan@johnforcongress.com

Boccieri Applauds Supreme Court Gun Rights Ruling

Canton, OH – State Senator John Boccieri, candidate for Congress in Ohio’s 16th District, released the following statement today in response to the United States Supreme Court’s decision affirming the individual right to bear arms:

“Every day that I strap myself into that $30 million C-130 airplane, I put my life on the line for all the Amendments in the U.S. Constitution. I applaud the Supreme Court for affirming our individual Second Amendment rights, not only as a gun owner but as a member of the military. The Court has shown that the Constitution still protects Americans’ bedrock rights and liberties.”

OH-16: Boccieri Receives "Veteran Advocacy Award of the Year"

Boccieri Receives "Veteran Advocacy Award of the Year" from the Vietnam Veterans of America, Buckeye State Council

State Senator John Boccieri, candidate for Congress in Ohio's 16th District, was selected as the recipient for this year's Vietnam Veterans of America, Buckeye State Council's "Veteran Advocacy Award of the Year." The award is presented by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Buckeye State Council annually to the individual who best advocates for issues affecting active duty, retirees, injured, and fallen soldiers in Ohio.

Senator Boccieri has been a tireless advocate for veterans since first elected to the Statehouse in 2000. He has been successful in working with both Democrats and Republicans to pass legislation benefiting Ohio's veterans. Recently, Boccieri passed legislation like the Military Injured Relief Fund which sends grants to injured soldiers. He also led efforts to bolster job protections for veterans in the workplace after many were losing them while serving abroad, and Boccieri also worked to strengthen enforcement of a 300 foot perimeter for protesters at military funerals.

In his presentation, Buckeye State Council President Thomas R. Burke, stated:

"You listened to veteran issues and followed through to do something about it. All veterans in Ohio are better off this year than they were last because of you. The entire membership of Buckeye State Council congratulates you."

Accepting the award, Senator Boccieri said:

"This is truly an honor. I am humbled the Vietnam Veterans of America selected me when there are so many deserving candidates. I am proud of my record in the Statehouse and have always made veteran issues a top priority. But the real heroes are the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line for our blessed nation, and didn't make it home. I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure that soldiers receive the resources they need the moment their boots hit the ground. I'll also continue to fight for the benefits in medical aid and the education benefits they earn when they return home."

Senator John Boccieri is currently a Major in the United States Air Force Reserve. He is a pilot and flies C-130 cargo planes. Senator Boccieri has fourteen years of experience in the United States Air Force and has been on four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of those missions were flying the wounded and the fallen out of Baghdad, Iraq.

OH-16: Boccieri Applauds House Passage of Emergency Supplemental Bill

Boccieri Applauds House Passage of Emergency Supplemental Bill
Legislation Also Addresses Veterans Benefits, Critical Domestic Issues

State Senator John Boccieri, candidate for Congress in Ohio's 16th District, today voiced his support for Thursday's passage legislation that supports our troops both abroad and here at home. The measure which passed the House provides funding for U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and addresses critical military issues.

Senator Major John Boccieri said:

"We must give our support this legislation, which gives our troops the resources they need to be successful while focusing on pressing issues here at home. Even though we're giving our troops the necessary resources for their missions, we must find the will and the way to bring our troops home safely, honorably and soon."

A second package expands GI benefits for a veteran's education by allowing those who serve at least three years to receive free tuition, along with money for books, school supplies and housing assistance, at a public university in their state. A very important measure also allows veterans who serve longer tours to transfer their education assistance to a spouse or dependent.

Senator Boccieri, in a race for the empty 16th District House Seat, still rated at 4th Place in TheFix, WaPo's Political Blog, continued:

"The expansion of education benefits for our veterans reduces burdens that many troops face when returning home – like finding a job and paying for college. This legislation gives our veterans and their families the opportunity to receive a quality education and build a successful career."

Additionally, the bill includes a 13-week extension for unemployment aid for out-of-work Americans and allocates $2.6 billion for flood relief efforts in the Midwest.

Commenting on the state of the 16th Congressional District and Ohio's gross unemployment numbers, Boccieri added:

"At a time when our economy is struggling and Ohio's unemployment compensation fund has taken a hit, the extension of unemployment benefits would give Ohioans who have lost their jobs the resources to provide for their families as they find employment."

The Fighting 16th District doesn't deserve a candidate riding on the coat-tails of ex-Governor Bob Taft, convicted for Ethics Violations and leaving Ohio's economy in shambles. It's time our district took a stand against the status-quo and the misdirected leadership of the Republican Party. Let's put a man of deep integrity fighting for the blue-collar workforce and our men and women who have serve our country with pride and honor, first!

OH-16: Senator Boccieri: Unemployment Compensation Fund Going Broke

State Senator John Boccieri, candidate for Congress in Ohio's 16th District, expressed concern today that a crisis looms as the Unemployment Compensation (UC) Trust Fund has taken a turn for the worse along with the state's sluggish economy. With the fund running on empty, the situation has many in Columbus talking about a federal bailout.

According to the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, the UC Trust Fund has about $529 million which is $124 million less than last year. Officials cite the slowing economy, rising unemployment, and payments to workers linked with inflationary adjustments while business payments remain constant.

Senator Boccieri said:

"It is not the news Ohio needed while we ride into another recession. Employers and workers feel the pinch every day because of rising energy costs and with so many plant closings the fund is taking a hit."

Ohio businesses pay less than the national average into the UC Trust Fund and a Columbus think tank is asking lawmakers to raise the taxable wage base from $9,000 to $12,000 while linking it to wage levels. Business representatives on the committee warned against this position and offered that reductions in payments to unemployed workers would be a more workable solution.

Senator Boccieri added:

"It is most unfortunate that we have to wait until a crisis looms before taking action. President Bush has threatened to veto unemployment compensation extensions putting further strain on Ohio families as well as on the fund – a federal bailout of Ohio's fund may be on the horizon."

OH-16: State Senator John Boccieri(D): "Fix the illegal immigration problem in Ohio"

I just received a press release from Ian Walton, Sen. John "Bo" Boccieri's Campaign Manager. It was odd timing, because I was just getting ready to e-mail Ian. He had asked me to commit to being their "resident blogger" last night, so, here we are!

Ian Walton reports:

Today, State Senator John Boccieri(D), Candidate in Ohio’s 16th Congressional district offered an amendment on the Senate floor addressing the illegal immigration problem in Ohio. The amendment was adopted unanimously and has become a part of SB 260 – Immigrations Violations Bill. Here is his statement:

Finally, a man that will implement a bold solution. "Bo's" Statement:

"The immigration issue is deeply personal to my family and me. My grandparents are first generation Americans who came to this great Nation with little more than the clothes on their backs. They came to America to pursue the great promise of the American Dream and to try to make a better life for their children and future generations. My grandparents, like millions of others, immigrated to this country and do so safely and legally.

"Illegal immigrants come to this country for the same reasons my grandparents did so many years ago. They come looking for jobs, to be reunited with family, and a better way of life. Many put their own lives at risk just to pursue opportunities.

"Today, the current immigration system in the United States is broken. By all best estimates there are about 12 million undocumented immigrants living and working in the US today. Illegal immigrants represent about 5% of the nation's workforce.

"Ohioans are also impacted by the illegal immigration problem. The US Census reports that nearly 72 percent of the population increase in Ohio over the last ten years is directly attributable to immigrants.

"The Pew Hispanic Center estimates that in 2005 there were an estimated 75,000 to 150,000 illegal aliens living in Ohio and we rank 20th in the nation among illegal alien populations in the United States.

"Illegal immigration is a serious problem facing our nation, our state and our families. We are in need of leadership and few, if any, solutions have been offered.

"That's why I proposed an amendment on the Senate floor today that would hold businesses that break the law and engage in hiring illegal immigrants accountable.

"More and more states across the country are adopting similar pieces of legislation. Just as we hold individuals who break the law accountable, we can no longer afford to ignore punishment for those businesses who also engage in illegal activities. It is not fair to law abiding businesses. It is not fair to our workers. And is it not fair to the taxpayers in this state to allow this practice to go unchecked any longer.

"Ohio jobs and our economy are under duress. More and more businesses here are shipping jobs overseas. Now businesses are breaking the law to hire illegal workers who take jobs from suffering Ohio working families.

"The immigration system is broken and we must do more to bring this problem under control. My legislation provides this leadership and I look forward to engaging in this conversation in the weeks and months ahead."

John made it very clear, on Sturday, that undocumented illegal immigrants are making it even harder for those immigrants taking the legal pathway to obtain their citizenship. We have to have some very "tough" debate on this topic. Fences won't fix this problem and straight-out amnesty, with the exception of political dissidents, will not solve the problems. Let's put some ideas down and fix this mess once and for all.

Keep an eye on John Boccieri(D) as he brings bold Progressive Change to an Ohio District that has been under Republican control for...count them, 60 long years!

I hope that the 16th District will "Stand up!" Sen. Maj. John Boccieri as he moves us forward in our fight against Rep. Ralph Regula's(R) "heir apparent", Kirk Schuring(R).

Meet Major John Boccieri and Ohio's Fighting 16th District!

Originally posted at EENR Blog on March 25, 2008!

After winning Ohio's 16th District Democratic Congressional Primary on March 4th, 2008, by more than 64% of the vote, Ohio State Senator Major John Bocceiri said:

"The people of Northeast Ohio need a representative in Congress they can trust to stand up for their interests. They need to know the person they send to Washington will fight for positive change on the issues affecting them every day. We must fix the unfair trade deals that send our jobs overseas, expand accessibility to affordable health care, find a solution to the foreclosure crisis, ensure our veterans have the services and support they have earned and bring our troops home from Iraq safely, honorably and soon."

Now, Canton, Ohio's, City Council President Allen Schulman invites you to come and meet State Senator John Boccieri and his friends!

"As we look forward to the general election, this is a truly exciting time in our district, our state and our nation. Our party is energized, we are hungry for a change, and after last night--more so than ever before-it is clear that we WILL elect the 16th District's first Democratic representative to Congress in 60 years!" ~ John Boccieri, March 4th, 2008

Please Join:

Allen Schulman & Associates

At an fundraising reception for:

State Senator John Boccieri
Democrat for U.S. Congress (OH-16)

March 27th, 2008 – 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm

Senator Boccieri will be in attendance

Allen Schulman & Associates
236 Third Street
SW Canton, OH 44702

$250 – Friend
$500 – Sponsor
$1,000 – Co-Host

RSVP to Jenna Slosson at (202) 320-4554 or
email at jenna@jsconsultingdc.com

If you are not able to join us, feel free to Act Blue!

The original comment thread was left intact at EENR. Feel free to start our own HERE!